Birr Castle Demesne

Garden · Birr

Birr Castle Demesne

Garden · Birr

1

Rosse Row, Townparks, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 V027, Ireland

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Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre (Used with Permission)
Birr Castle Demesne by Trip Advisor. (Used with Permission)
Birr Castle Demesne by Birr Castle Gardens and Science Centre (Used with Permission)
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null
Birr Castle Demesne by null

Highlights

Birr Castle Demesne boasts stunning gardens, a historic science center, and an impressive 19th-century telescope, perfect for family adventures and picnics.  

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Rosse Row, Townparks, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 V027, Ireland Get directions

birrcastle.com

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Rosse Row, Townparks, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 V027, Ireland Get directions

+353 57 912 0336
birrcastle.com
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@BirrCastle

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Last updated

Jul 14, 2025

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@atlasobscura

The Many Ways to Shape a Tree

"The “box” of a box hedge does not refer to its shape, as one might assume, but to the genus Buxus, which includes dozens of species of evergreens that people have used to create living walls. The tradition of shaping box hedges goes back centuries; in Roman times, Pliny the Elder described box hedges grown along pleasant paths. Birr Castle’s box hedge was first planted 300 years ago and, at close to 40 feet, it’s the tallest box hedge in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. The box hedge is part of the castle’s formal grounds, which have been cultivated by generations of the Parsons family, who settled in the castle in 1620. The seventh Earl of Rosse still lives there and pay close attention to the garden, which include a lovely hornbeam cloister walk. The castle also has giant telescope, originally built in the 1840s by the third Earl of Rosse." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/many-ways-people-shape-trees
View Postcard for Birr Castle Demesne

Marius G

Google
Birr Castle Demesne is an absolute gem in the heart of Ireland. Nestled in the heritage town of Birr, this stunning estate spans 120 acres of breathtaking parklands and gardens, home to over 4,000 species of trees and plants. The peaceful trails, flowing rivers, and waterfalls make it a paradise for nature lovers. Beyond its natural beauty, Birr Castle is steeped in history and scientific innovation. The Great Telescope, once the largest in the world, is a fascinating sight, showcasing the castle’s legacy in astronomy. The Historic Science Centre adds another layer of intrigue, offering insights into groundbreaking discoveries made here. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply looking for a tranquil escape, Birr Castle Demesne is a must-visit. The combination of nature, history, and innovation makes it a truly unforgettable experience.

Clémence Prosen

Google
I love walking in the gardens ! I must have spent 4 hours wandering : it’s gorgeous ! The Science Museum is very good and all the info is well displayed, a nice flow of information about the universe. I need to come back when the inside can be visited. I was there a few weeks ago and the inside was closed, but I knew that because I came. I wish there was a nice book in the shop about the history of the family .

Tatiana Gladchenko

Google
Our family had the pleasure of taking a guided tour of Birr Castle as part of the special events for Astronomy Week in Ireland. It was an incredible experience—both inspiring and deeply informative. Seeing the Leviathan and the modern radio telescopes up close was truly impressive, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past and present of astronomical discoveries. As mathematicians and a physicist, we especially appreciated the passion and expertise of our guide, who brought history and science to life with a vivid and engaging narrative. Their enthusiasm and deep knowledge made the experience even more memorable. Birr Castle is a must-visit for anyone interested in science, history, or simply breathtaking surroundings. Highly recommended!

Luz Salazar

Google
Great place with lovely scenery and plenty to see . However, better signage would make a big difference, especially for visitors with disabilities and autism, as there wasn’t much guidance available. Overall, the staff were welcoming and the atmosphere was lively we had a very positive experience!

Alexandria Quintero

Google
This was an unexpected stop for us on our way back to Dublin. We really enjoyed learning the history about the family and seeing the grounds. I would highly recommend taking a trip to Birr Castle.

Liz Filardi

Google
Unique attraction with something for everyone, great stop between Dublin and Galway - the telescope at Birr Castle is extraordinary and the grounds are gorgeous with so much to look at. Nice playground with amazing treehouse. The food at the cafe is great - don’t leave without having a soft serve cone with a flake!

Michael Raj Groves

Google
The price for entrance is far too much, the venue has a lot to offer but its not worth the same as the cliffs of Mohar. The waterfall for me was its standout point of interest, the grounds are well kept and it was autumn at the time of my visit so the colors were in full bloom. Ireland is in danger of out pricing its attractions which is a pity. A rethink is required in order for it to thrive, cheers

Craig Purdon

Google
Had a stunning walk around the gardens in full bloom. The weather was stunning. Lovely place for a family walk and a little picnic 🧺
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Susie M.

Yelp
We went here to just relax and walk. It is big and the gardens to seem to never end. It is very pretty and relaxing with the water. Kids would be bored I think unless they are happy just running around. It is worth the admission price but it is sad you cant go in the castle. It is a real home and since it has people living in it -you can't :) Just allow enough time to walk all the grounds. We thought an hour was long enough but ended up spending 3 hours. It could have been stretched to 5 if we walked slower but wanted to see as much as possible. They also have a huge telescope but I personally found that a bite boring and just walked around it. My husband on the other hand really liked it.